Hinged mullion-frame and singlepane window



June 22, 1954 E, MASON 2,681,481

HINGED MULLION-FRAME AND SINGLE-PANE WINDOW Filed Nov. 7. 1950 INVENTOR. Edward G. Maspn IQLMM Patented June 22, 1954 UNITED STATES PATNT OFFICE HINGE!) MULLION-FRAME AND SINGLE- PANE WINDOW 8 Claims. 1

At the present time as in the past architectural, aesthetic and practical considerations demand windows, particularly for homes, that have a plurality of panes. On the other hand such a multi-paned window is more expensive to build since the additional labor of construction greatly increases the cost. Even more important, a window having many panes is very much harder to clean, paint and putty, both originally and for replacements, than a window with a single pane.

A primary object of this invention is to secure the aesthetic and practical advantages of a multipaned or mullioned window and the economic and practical advantages of a window having a single pane but appearing to have a plurality. In the past many efforts have been made to secure this or a comparable result by the provision of a mullion-frame movable to and from position over a single pane window, but so far as I am aware all of such previous attempts have been complicated and, even more important, they have necessitated costly changes in methods of mass production of windows and frames therefor and of glazing, or alternatively have required expensive and annoying changes in windows which have been manufactured in accordance with conventional practices, as, for example, mutilation to provide seats for latches, detents, mounting elements and the like. Therefore, a second and highly important object of my invention is to secure sive and can be affixed at any time, either in the course of manufacture or after installation, to

any standard mass-produced window, Without the use of cutting tools or any mutilation whatever and without the exercise of skill beyond that of the ordinary householder. A related object is to provide such a simple mullion-frame which when in position in no way interferes with the ordinary operation either of the sash to which it has been applied or of a companion sash, or, if installed on the exterior of a sash, with a screen or storm window.

To accomplish the above ends I preferably provide a mullion-frame, the members of which represent the ordinary dividing members between the several panes and hence form mullions, which are hinged to the interior side of one transverse rail or vertical stile of a sash. Upon a portion of this frame, generally opposite that carrying the hinge,

is mounted one or a first member of a springpressed latch. Anotheror second member to cooperate with this active member is screwed or otherwise simply fixed to the surface portion of the sash which is adjacent thereto when the frame is swung into closed position. It will of course be understood that when this mullionframe is in closedposition the mullions are disposed against the single pane of glass and appear as they would if they were an integral part of the window. For painting or cleaning this entire mullion-frame is swung out of position, but at other times it remains in place. Thus a window embodying my invention always has the appearance of many panes but is constructed with the economy and maintained with the ease of a window having a single pane. The mullions making up this frame are simple and rigid, thus avoiding the expense and complexity of previously proposed flexible or telescoping bars.

In addition to the aesthetic advantages of such a frame, it has certain practical advantages, as for example to provide confinement in institutions in which it is desired not to give the appearance of a penal establishment and also to protect small children from the danger of falling through a single pane, particularly at a considerable height.

A related object of my invention is to provide a window-sash in combination with such a hinged mullion-frame.

The objects of this invention will be clear from the above generalized portion of this specification, the detailed description which follows, the subjoined claims and the accompanying drawings. Other objects, advantages and characteristics of my invention also will be so evident. Although I am showing but one embodiment of my invention for purposes of illustration only, it will be understood that changes can readily be made therein without departing from the scope of my broader claims or the spirit of my invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevation of a conventional window, having two sashes each of a single pane, to which my invention may be applied.

Figure 2 is an elevation of such a window after my hinged mullion has been applied to the upper sash thereof.

Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective fragmentary View corresponding to Figure 2, my mullionframe being shown swung partially outwardly. For cleaning or painting it is swung completely out of the way.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary enlarged detail likewise in perspective showing latching means which I apply to my invention.

Figure 5 is an enlarged view, also in perspective 7 clearly seen in Figures l and 5.

and partly broken away, showing an active member of a type of latch which I have found effective.

In the following description and in the subjoined claims the orientation is that of a window in position as in a home or other building. Thus upper and lower are from the point of view of a window so installed and inner is from the point of view of a person within the building and outer correspondingly represents the opposite side of the various parts. Similar and derivative words are used with like meanings.

As will be seen from Figure 1 a conventional upper sash generally indicated as H and lower sash generally indicated as [3 contain panes i5 and i1 respectively. These sashes may be locked together when closed as by a locker latching device l9. As shown in Figure 2 these sashes may be movable upwardly and downwardly within window frames having stiles 2| and 22, transverse rails 23 and 24 and a sill 25. As will clearly be seen from Figure 3, sash II comprises stiles 26 and 28 completed by transverse rails ac and 3|. The lower sash is similarly constructed with stiles 32 and 33 and transverse rails 34 and 35. These stiles and rails make up the sash frame. Surfaces of these stiles and transverse rails are chamfered as at 35'. Lock l9 consists of a fixed detent member 36 attached to lower rail 3! of the upper sash and an operating member 3? having a cam latching surface attached to upper cross rail 34 of the lower sash and movable upon a vertical axis to lock the window when the two sashes are brought together in closed position.

My mullion-frame generally indicated as ii! is shown as comprising vertical rigid bars at and 45 and a rigid crossbar 45. These bars are tenoned at points of intersection. As will be noted from Figure 3 the top transverse edges 41 and 48 of vertical mullions 43 and M respectively and the vertical edges 49 and 50 of cross mullion 46 are chamfered so that when the frame is placed in closed position with the sash as shown in Figure 2 there is an intimate junction between them and the chamfered surfacesof the stiles and crossbars.

I am describing and illustrating a frame which when placed in closed position represents six panes, but it will be readily understood that frames representing other numbers of panes may be substituted as desired. Also I am not limited to right-angle intersection of the various members as shown. For example, for some purposes I have found that diagonal disposition of the bars or mullions is effective.

As also will clearly be seen from Figure 3, I pivotally attach the upper ends of bars 53 and 45 to the upper transverse rail 30 of the upper sash by hinges 5i and 52. To the opposite or lower edge 55 of vertical mullion-bar 38,1 attach my locking device, which may be of the type This edge and the correspondingedg'e 56 of bar t?) are square to co-act closely with the'straight top surface of cross rail 35 of the lower sash. Into the lower end of this bar 53 a hole is drilled to receive an operative member of a detent device generally indicated as 5? and known as a roll point bullet catch. See Figure 5. This latching instrumentality comprises an outer casing 58 with a lower flange 59 and a detent roll point button s: with bevelled sides normally urged downwardly as by a compressionsprin'g 83 placed within the cas ing. This latching device is completed by a detent plate 65 screwed to bottom cross rail iii of the sash andhaving a bevelled forward edge 61 and a detent slot 69 for the reception of the" will permit easy movement ofthe. latch until the;

spring 53 moves the detent member within the opening 69. At that time the framework is latched securely in position. When it is desired. to swing the mullion-frame out of the way as for. cleaning, painting or the like, moderate pressure applied to the frame will force the detent button 6! upwardly against the power of spring 63, the bevelled edges of the button permitting its release from slot (59, and the framework may be pivotally moved away from the pane 15. I have found the above latching mechanism particularly effective but any other suitable means may be employed.

I show but one latch, which is all that is necessary for a mullion-frame having only two vertical. bars, but when the frames are constructed with more vertical bars, additional latches are desir' able. For example, in a frame having three vertical mullions I apply latches to the two rela tively distant bars only.

From the foregoing description it will be noted? that my mullion-frame as a new article of manu facture consists of a framework with hinges applied to the end edges and, in this instance, opposite end edges of such members. All that is necessary for the installation of my mullionframe in a window is the insertion of two or more screws in the hinges 5i and 52 and the screwing of pla e =35 to the cross rail Iii. These operations can be carried out by any householder of usual skill. Alternatively when my mullion-frame not sold separately, it is applied to a window sash at the point of manufacture and the two sold and installed as a unit. In either event it is net necessary to interfere with the normal production methods of making such sashes, thus securing substantial savings.

I have described my invention as made of wood, but I am not limited to such construction. My mullion-frame, if desired, may be made of metal, as, for example, fabricated bars or a stamping or a casting of light metal or an aluminum extrusion, for many purposes painted to simulate wood. Also, a moulded plastic can be employed.

It will especially be noted that in spite of the fact that it is not necessary to mutilate a finished sash orto change the method of production of a sash to which my mullion-frame is applied, the various parts are so aranged that one sash can slip past another in a normal and conventional manner without interference on account of the installation of the mullion-frame. That is to say, the frame and all of its parts, including the latching instrumentalities, are disposed within the plane of the cross rails so that no interference is caused since either sash can be moved past the other without interference.

Mullion-frames manufactured according to my invention have even greater advantages when applied to the exterior surface of a WlIldOW. On the outside of a sash the clearance is even less than on the inside. It will thus be seen that after my invention has been appliedto the exterior of a single-pane window it, causes no interference with screens or storm windows as well as with relative movement of two sashes past each other. Even more important when an exterior portion of a window frame is mutilated, as in the prior art but not in my device, decay is very likely to follow.

I have described my invention and I am claiming it as applied to a sash with a single-pane. It

., therefore, that my claims cover such combination.

The advantages of my invention will have been made clear from the above portion of this specification, understood from a consideration of the drawings, and are reflected in the sub-joined claims. They include the provision of a mullionframe which makes it possible to secure the aesthetic, architectural and practical advantages of a mullioned or many-paned window with a conventional single-paned window, all without the mutilation of any part or change of the designs and methods by which window sash are now massproduced.

I claim:

I. For use with a window sash having a frame with a single pane fixed therein, a movable mullion-frame consisting of bars which when disposed in a position adjacent the surface of said single pane cooperate with the outline of said frame to give the appearance of a multi-paned window by dividing said single pane into what appears to be a plurality of small panes, a plurality of two-part hinges of which one part of each is fixed to corresponding ends of a plurality of said bars respectively and the other part is adapted to be affixed to a portion 'of said frame of said sash, the axes of said hinges being parallel, and a latching instrumentality disposed upon an end of one of said bars relatively remote from said first-mentioned end, said latching instrumentality being adapted and positioned to engage a cooperating latching member disposed upon a portion of the frame of said sash when said frame is attached thereto by said hinges and has been swung thereon to said position wherein said window sash has the appearance of a multi-paned window.

2. For use with a window sash having a frame with a single pane fixed therein, a movable mullion-frame consisting of bars rigidly joined to each other which when disposed in a position against the surface of said single pane cooperate with the outline of said frame to give the appearance of a multi-paned window by dividing said single pane into what appears to be a plurality of small panes, a plurality of two-part hinges of which one part of each is fixed to corresponding ends of a plurality of said bars respectively and the other part is adapted to be aflixed to a portion of said frame of said sash, the axes of said hinges being parallel, a recess being formed within one end portion of one of said bars relatively remote from said first-mentioned end, and a spring-pressed latch, said latch being disposed in said recess with an operative portion thereof extending therebeyond, and said latch being adapted and positioned to engage a cooperating detent member disposed upon a portion of the frame of said sash when said mullion-frame is attached thereto by said hinges and has been swung thereon to said position wherein said window sash has the appearance of a multi-paned window.

3. For use with a window sash having a frame with a single pane fixed therein, the portion of the upper transverse and the vertical rails of said frame adjacent said pane being chamfered and the portion of said lower transverse rail adjacent said pane being at right angles thereto, a mullion-drame consisting of bars rigid in relation to each other which when disposed in a position against the surface of said pane cooperate with the outline of said rails to give the appearance of a multi-paned window, a plurality of two-part hinges of which one part of each is fixed to corresponding ends of a plurality of said bars respectively and the other part is adapted to be affixed to a portion of said frame of said sash, the axes of said hinges being parallel, the ends ,of said bars adjacent said chamfered portions being constructed of a contour to correspond to that of said rails of said sash whereby a tight fit is secured between said mullion-frame and said sash-frame when said mullion-frame is disposed in said position against said pane, and a latching instrumentality disposed upon an end of one of said bars relatively remote from said first-mentioned end, said latching instrumentality being adapted and positioned to engage a cooperating latching member disposed upon a portion of said sash frame when said mullion-frame is attached thereto and said hinged end has been swung thereon to said position.

4, For use with a window sash having a frame with a single pane fixed therein and a detent plate having a catch-receiving formation fixed upon one member of its frame, a mullionframe consisting of bars rigid in relation to each other which when disposed in a position parallel to and adjacent the surface of said single pane cooperate with the outline of said frame to give the appearance of a multi-paned window, a plurality of two-part hinges of which one part of each is fixed to corresponding ends of a plurality of said bars respectively and the other part is adapted to be afiixed to a portion of said frame, the axes of said hinges being parallel, and a roll point bullet catch, said catch being disposed within a recess in an end of one of said bars relatively remote from said first-mentioned end, the body of said catch being completely encompassed thereby, said end being formed with such a recess, said roll point of said bullet catch extending beyond the end of said recess and being adapted and positioned to engage said detent plate and enter said catch-receiving formation thereof after said mullion-frame has been attached to the frame of said sash by said hinges and has been swung thereon to said position wherein said window sash has the appearance of a multi-paned window.

5. As a new article of manufacture, a window sash comprising, in combination, a sash-frame, a single-pane mounted in said saslnfrarne, a mullion-frame, said mullion-frame consisting of a plurality of bars intersecting each other to form a plurality of mullions joined to each other which when applied to a surface of said single pane cooperate with the outline of said sash-frame to give the appearance of a plurality of panes, at least one two-part hinge, one part of which is mounted upon an end of one of said mullion bars and the other part of which is mounted upon an adjacent part of said sash-frame upon which two-part hinge said mullion-frame as a unit may be swun to and from a position adjacent said pane, and latching means, one member of said latching means being disposed upon an. end of one of said mullions relatively remote from the end of said mullion to which said hinge means is ass-1,481

attached for bodily movement therewith and another member being disposed upon said sasha single pane mounted in said frame, a mullionframe, said mullion-frame consisting of a plurality of bars intersecting each other to form a rigid mullion-frame which when applied to a surface of single pane cooperates with the outline of said sash-frame to give the appearance of a plurality of panes, at least one twopart hinge one part of which is mounted upon an end of one of said mullion-bars and the other part mounted upon an adjacent part of said sash-frame for pivotally attaching one side of said inullicn-frame to said sash-frame for the movement of said mullion-frame as a unit to and from a position adjacent said pane, and two member latching means, one member of said latching means being mounted within a recess in an end of one of said mullions relatively re mote from the side of said mullion-frame which is pivoted upon said sash-frame and the other memher'of said latching means being disposed upon said sash-frame in a position wherein it is engaged by said first member after said mullion-frame has been moved into said position whereby said mullion-frame is locked in said position wherein said window sash has the appearance of a multi-paned window.

'7. A window comprising two sashes, each of said sashes having a frame and a singl pane mounted in one of said frames, the inner edges of the frame of one of said sashes and the outer and relatively adjacent edges of the other of said sashes establishing respectively adjacent and.

parallel vertical planes, at least one of said sashes being movable along its said plane past said other sash, a loci; for maintaining said two sashes in closed position, said lock having a detent member disposed upon one of said sashes and a movable latching member disposed on the frame of the other of said sashes, movement of said latching member to locking relation to said detent member passing through said planes, a mullion-frame, said mullion-frame consisting of a plurality of intersecting bars which when disposed in a position adjacent the surface of said single pane cooperate with the outline thereof pane of said sash, latching means having one member disposed upon anend of one of the mullions of said mullion-frame and another member disposed in cooperating position upon said frame of said sash which carries said mullionframe, the disposition of said mullion-frame and the dimensions of its mullions and the positioning of both members of said latching means being within the said plane of said sash to which said mullion-frame has been applied and hence not intersecting said other plane whereby parallel movement of either of said sashes past the other thereof when said mullion-frame is in latched position is not impeded thereby.

8. A window comprising two sashes, each of said sashes having a frame and a single pane mounted in one of said frames, the inner edges of the frame of one of said sashes and the outer and relatively adjacent edges of the other of said sashes establishing respectively adjacent and parallel vertical planes, at least one of said sashes being movable along its said plane past said other sash, a mullion-frame, said mullionframe consisting of bars which when disposed in a position adjacent the surface of said single pane cooperate with the outline of the frame thereof to give the appearance of a multi-paned window by dividing said single pane into what appears to be a plurality of smali panes, a plurality of two-part hinges, operative upon parallel axes, of which one part of each is fixed to corresponding ends of a plurality of said bars respectively and the other part is afiixed to a portion of said frame of said sash, said mullionframe thus being movably attached to the frame of the one of said sashes supporting said single pane on a side of said pane relatively adjacent the other of said sashes whereon it can be swung to and from a position adjacent to said pane of said sash to which it is attached, latching means having one member disposed upon an end of one of the mullions of said mullion-fraine and another member disposed in cooperating position upon said frame of said sash which carries said mullion-frame, the disposition of said mullionframe and the dimensions of its mullions and the positioning of both members of said latching meansbeing within the said plane of said sash to which said mullion-frame has been applied and hence not intersecting said other plane whereby parallel movement of either or said sashes past the other thereof when said mullionframe is in latched position is not impeded thereby.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 111921019 Jones June 22, 1937 469,068 Simmons Feb. 16, 1892 787,641 Robinson Apr. 18, 1905 2,050,322 Hills Aug. 11,1936

FOREIGN PATENTS,

Number Country I Date 555,756 Great Britain 1943 

